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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET TO A SONNET by THOMAS HOOD

Poet Analysis

First Line: RARE COMPOSITION OF A POET-KNIGHT
Last Line: "THY PHRASE ""SWEET ENEMY"" APPLIED TO FRANCE!"
Subject(s): CHIVALRY; GREAT BRITAIN - RELATIONS WITH FRANCE;

RARE Composition of a Poet-Knight,
Most chivalrous amongst chivalric men,
Distinguish'd for a polish'd lance and pen
In tuneful contest, and the tourney-fight;
Lustrous in scholarship, in honour bright,
Accomplish'd in all graces current then,
Humane as any in historic ken,
Brave, handsome, noble, affable, polite,
Most courteous to that race become of late
So fiercely scornful of all kind advance,
Rude, bitter, coarse, implacable in hate
To Albion, plotting ever her mischance, --
Alas! fair Verse, how false and out of date
Thy phrase "@3sweet enemy@1" applied to France!



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